If you are looking for a treat that feels like a warm, comforting hug fresh from the oven, then you absolutely need to try this Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. It combines fluffy, soft dough with a sweet, rich cinnamon-sugar swirl and is finished off with a creamy glaze that melts in your mouth. Every bite is a perfect balance of buttery goodness and cozy spice, making it an irresistible breakfast or snack that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. Baking these cinnamon rolls from scratch is not just rewarding—it’s a joyful experience worth sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving in, it’s wonderful to recognize how straightforward and accessible these ingredients are. Each one plays a special role, whether it’s building the dough’s soft texture, adding that signature cinnamon warmth, or creating the luscious icing that ties it all together.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and softness when kneaded properly.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast: Essential for that beautiful rise and airy texture throughout the rolls.
- 1 cup warm milk: Activates the yeast and keeps the dough moist and tender.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the cinnamon filling.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich flavor and helps keep the rolls delightfully soft.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Provide richness and help bind the dough together for a perfect crumb.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed: The star of the filling, its molasses depth pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon: The signature spice that gives these rolls their comforting warmth.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Creates a luscious layer that makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth wonderful.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing): Turns into the silky glaze that crowns your rolls with sweetness.
- 2 tbsp milk (for icing): Thins the powdered sugar to just the right consistency for drizzling.
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
To kick off this Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, combine your warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar in a large bowl. Warm milk is key here—it wakes up the yeast gently. After mixing, let it rest for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and alive, which means your dough will rise beautifully later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Add melted butter, the remaining sugar, eggs, and salt to your bubbling yeast mix. Gradually stir in the flour until it forms a soft dough. This step is where magic begins—the dough should be slightly sticky but hold together, signaling a promising fluffy result.
Step 3: Knead and Rise
Sprinkle flour on your work surface and give the dough a 5 to 7-minute knead. This develops the gluten, essential for soft, tender rolls. Once smooth and elastic, place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. Patience here pays off big time.
Step 4: Shape and Fill
When your dough has puffed up nicely, roll it out into a big rectangle. Spread the 1/4 cup of softened butter all over, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture. This filling is what makes the rolls utterly irresistible—they’re packed with gooey, sweet spice in every swirl.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Carefully roll the dough from one long edge into a tight log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 even rolls. Place them snugly into a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise a final 20 minutes before baking. This second rise ensures each roll is soft and light.
Step 6: Bake and Ice
Bake your rolls at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes until they turn golden brown on top. While they cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create that luscious icing. Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls—that gooey, sweet coat seals the deal perfectly.
How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the icing. You could also add a few fresh berries or a dusting of cinnamon for visual appeal and a pop of flavor that complements the rolls beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte. Fresh fruit salad or yogurt on the side adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and sweet rolls, making your breakfast or brunch well-rounded and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few cinnamon rolls on a pretty cake stand for an inviting centerpiece. Or arrange them on individual plates with a drizzle of extra icing and a sprig of mint. These small touches make the homemade feel even more delightful and celebratory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your fresh batch, you can store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead or save some for later, freeze the unbaked rolls after cutting them. Wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then allow them to rise and bake as usual.
Reheating
Warm leftover cinnamon rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Adding a bit of extra glaze after reheating always tastes like fresh-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser and less soft since whole wheat has more fiber. For the best results, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, sprinkle it lightly with additional flour, but be careful not to add too much as it might make the rolls tough. A slightly sticky dough usually means softer rolls.
How do I know if my yeast is still active?
If your yeast mixture becomes foamy and bubbly after mixing with warm milk and sugar, it’s active. If there’s no foam, the yeast might be expired or the milk too hot or too cold, and you should try again with fresh yeast.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute milk with any plant-based milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The dough and filling will still turn out deliciously rich and soft.
Is it possible to prepare the rolls the night before baking?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and finish rising before baking. This is a great time-saver for busy mornings.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the bliss of waking up to warm, aromatic cinnamon rolls fresh from your own oven. This Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a wonderful journey from simple ingredients to a treat that feels truly special. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved classic—and it just might become your new favorite weekend tradition. Happy baking!
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Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling. Topped with a simple powdered sugar glaze, they make the perfect indulgent breakfast or snack. With a tender yeast dough and classic flavor combination, these cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat to bake and enjoy fresh from the oven.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make the dough: Add melted butter, remaining sugar, eggs, and salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling and shape rolls: Roll the risen dough out into a rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Form the rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Cut into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for an additional 20 minutes.
- Bake the cinnamon rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Make and add the icing: While rolls are baking, mix powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze. Drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can substitute whole milk with a plant-based milk for a dairy-free option but adjust the butter accordingly.
- For extra fluffy rolls, avoid overworking the dough during kneading.
- Leftover cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently before serving.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for added texture and flavor.
